About Invisalign

Wearing Aligners

You should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You should remove the aligners every time you eat or drink, then brush and floss to ensure nothing gets trapped inside the tray.

Benefits of Aligners

Many people choose Invisalign® because they are virtually invisible, no one can tell you are straightening your teeth. The plastic is not only clear, but comfortable. You do not have to worry about the discomfort that may be associated with traditional braces. This also means that eating and cleaning your teeth will be easier, as it is less likely for food to become trapped. You also change your trays on your own, which means you spend less time in the orthodontic office.

How does Invisalign® work?

We take a 3D scan of your teeth that is sent to Invisalign. The orthodontist develops a plan of how your teeth will move and makes modifications through computer software. Each tray is designed to move your teeth one step closer to their final position through a series of controlled forces. The aligners also control the timing of teeth movement because only certain teeth are moved through each transition.

Invisalign FAQs

Q: How much does Invisalign® cost?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® depends on the complexity of a patient’s case and the expected length of treatment. We do not let finances stand in the way of getting a beautiful smile. We offer a number of payment options that make any treatment fit our patient’s budget.

Q: Does Invisalign® really work?

A: Yes. In both clinical research and orthodontic practices nationwide, Invisalign® has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign®?

A: Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

Q: What are the aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Q: How does Invisalign® effectively move teeth?

A: Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Q: What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign®?

A: Doctors can use Invisalign® to treat a vast majority of patients (teens and adults) with fully-erupted molars. For more information on Invisalign®, please visit www.invisalign.com.